An alphabet soup of trends have gained popularity among consumers seeking minimally processed and natural options for their pets. Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), biologically appropriate raw foods (BARFs) and raw animal products (RAPs) all refer to variations on the same theme. These diets typically include uncooked muscle meat, organs, bones and, in some cases, vegetables or grains. However, inconsistent definitions and a lack of regulatory clarity can create confusion for pet owners, manufacturers and regulators.
A group of researchers proposed a new term for raw pet food, seeking to unify the terminology and regulatory understanding of this growing product segment. In the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the researchers suggested the term "Raw and Minimally Processed" (RAMP). The scientists also conducted a literature review of research on raw pet food diets.
“Reconciling these definitions will lay a better framework for communication, research, regulation and commerce between stakeholders in the pet food industry,” the study authors wrote. They were associated with Kansas State University and ingredient supplier Balchem.
The scientists stated that consumer demand for raw pet foods has been largely driven by pet owners anthropomorphizing their companion animals and considering them as family members, a trend called humanization in the pet food industry. This cultural shift has paralleled broader human dietary trends favoring clean-label, whole-food nutrition. Despite their growing popularity, raw diets remain controversial with veterinarians and public health officials, due to potential food safety risks from pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
Current regulatory definitions complicate the issue. For example, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines "raw" as unheated foods in their natural state, but allows certain non-thermal pathogen control methods, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), fermentation and food acidulants. However, the AAFCO definition of "fresh" excludes products that have undergone any preservation beyond refrigeration, including freezing and use of additives, further confusing the marketplace.
The researchers believe the new RAMP designation bridges these gaps by emphasizing that raw pet foods can include non-thermal processing methods necessary for safety without contradicting the intent behind their natural positioning. The inclusion of the term "minimally processed" allows for transparency about the interventions used while aligning with consumer expectations for simplicity and natural ingredients.
Consumer research cited in the review shows that raw pet food buyers often distrust commercial pet food labeling, preferring diets they believe to be more wholesome and under their control. Many respondents cited health concerns and ingredient transparency as key motivators for switching from traditional dry or canned diets to raw diets.
However, the review also pointed out significant regulatory and academic concerns. Homemade raw diets may lack nutritional balance, and some formulations do not meet established nutrient profiles. As a result, the safety and efficacy of these diets remain areas of active scientific inquiry.
By proposing the RAMP term, the study authors aimed to foster clearer communication among pet food manufacturers, researchers, regulators and consumers. A standardized definition could streamline product development, labeling and regulatory review, while also helping consumers make informed decisions, they said.
